Spermicidal compositions



Patented Dec. 30, .1952

UNITED STATES OFFICE SPERMICIDAL COMPOSITIONS ration of New York No Drawing. Application November 21, 1950, Serial No. 196,962

12 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in spermicidal compositions.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my application Serial No. 609,323, filed August 6, 1945 (now abandoned), for spermicidal Compositions, and is based on the discovery that a class of substances difiering substantially from the spermicidal agents disclosed in said application and having certain desired improved properties may be used in combination with other modifying agents described in the said application with greatly improved results without deleterious effects and without irritation when in contact with delicate body membranes.

In my application Serial No. 609,323, the inveition includes a spermicidal agent which is a fatty acid ester of a polyethylene glycol or of a polyoxyethylene glycol in combination with a thickening agent, such as gum tragacanth, a plasticizing agent, such as glycerine, and a buffer to maintain the pH of the spermicidal composition within a desired range. In the combination, alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, is preferably used to transparentize the produce in order to appeal to aesthetic tastes, or senses. This monofatty acid esters of polyoxyethylene glycols were found to be spermicidal Without the caustic or severely irritating effects of the previously known spermicides of the prior art. This class of non-ionic spermicidal agents contains the hydroxyl group is uncombined form.

I have found a new class of spermicides which represents the monofatty acid esters of derivatives of polyoxyethyleneglycol-which do not contain a free hydroxyl group and are more potent spermicides than those heretofore known and are more stable and have better keeping qualities in both acid and alkaline media than previously known non-ionic spermicides. Furthermore the new class of spermicides which I have discovered does not dry out and therefore when used in jellies reduces the quantity or proportion of humectant needed in the composition. These new compounds are bland and nonirritating and tend to produce clear jellies without the use of 2 polyoxyethylene glycols and is defined by the generic formula:

GHaOAc in which OR is an alkyl ether (or alkoxy) grouping, 1: is an integer of at least 2, and "Ac is an acyl radical of a fatty acid containing at least 6 carbon atoms.

An example of this class of spermicides is the compound methoxy polyoxyethylene glycol 550 m-onolaurate, in which 550 represents the molecular weight of the polyoxyethylene glycol. This compound has the constitutional formula CI-IsO-C'Hz (CHz-O-CHz) 11CH2-O-CO CH2) 10CH3. Other examples are: ethoxy polyoxyethylene glycol mono-oleate; propoxy polyoxyethylene glycol monocaproate; methoxy polyoxyethylene glycol monostearate; butoxy polyoxyethylene glycol monomyristate. It will be understood that readily available commercial polyoxyethylene glycols have approximate molecular weights of about 200, 300, 350, 370, 550, 750 and higher. The approximate molecular weights are used since adjacent homologs may be present in commercial mixtures. However, pure compounds of these polyethylene glycols, where the integer as represented by the letter 9: in the above generic formula is two or more, can be obtained.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel spermicidal composition which can effectively'destroy the sperm within a relatively short period of time Without irritationof the delicate vaginal mucosa or other detrimental effects and which does notdecompose even after long standing, and which is more stable in acid and alkaline media than previously known nonionic spermicides heretofore used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel spermicidal jelly composition which does not dry out and in which the quantity of humectant material required to prevent drying out of the spermicidal'composition may be greatly reduced as compared with the amounts orproportions heretofore used for this purpose.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel spermicidal composition which is bland and non-irritating and which tends to produce clear jellies without the use of transparentizing agents, such as alcohols.

'4 and the butyl parahydroxybenzoate serves as a preservative agent. The sodium carboxymethyl cellulose component serves as a thickening agent and the small proportion of perfume serves to Another object of the invention is to provide a 5 provide a pleasing odor to the composition. The spermicidal composition in which the *spermiwater which is added to the composition operates cidal agent is composed of a compound of polyas a vehicle and is added in suflicient amount to oxyethylene glycol havin no free reactive form the jelly composition. The jelly may be groups in the molecule, so as to increase the stamade by mixing the first four ingredients to a bility and keeping qualities of the compounds thin slurry, then adding the perfume, and subwithout loss of potency of the spermicidal agent. sequently pouring the entire mixture into the It is a further object of the invention to prowater vehicle which has been previously heated vide the said sperm'iciolal compounds in molecular to a temperature of about 85 0., and mixing for or finely divided form in a vehicle which provides about 5 to 10 minutes, after which the composibarrier action, effective adhesiveness and spreadtion is substantially homogeneous It is to be ing power in the vaginal tract and which is readunderstood that the process for making the jelly ily miscible with the vaginal and sperm secrefrom the ingredients or constituents may be tions. In accordance with this object of the invaried as will be understood by those skilled in vention, the spermicidal composition ma be in the art, and furthermore that the components the form of a jelly, or cream, or powder, or sup- 2g of the composition may be varied to provide the pository, or impregnated tampon to accomplish desired efiects and consistency, adhesiveness, t above b ti spreading power and other characteristics A still further object of the inventionis to provide a novel spermicidal composition having Example H (Jelly) rapid effective spermicidal action and which is gentle and non-irritating to vaginal tissue, and Agent Chemical composition g which is adapted to operate effectively in acid, 1 g neutral or alkaline environment. 7

Moreover, it is another object of the invention spern m.u 1a1 agent cftiiioifiifii iiiii 1y to pr vi e a v l sp rmici al composition which tigj fi g j ififi 'g gggigg fggg gigg "I 3 8 does not melt or flow out at body temperatures Transparentizing agent" Eth alcohol 5.0 a which is Water washable, non-toxic, E5ii%;i i?.:::::: simmerin 5:2 ritant and non-staining. Odor improving agent--- Perfume 0. 05

Other objects and advantages of the invention Vehde Water! q S will become apparent from the following descripw tion: Example III (Jelly) Broadly stated, the present invention contemplates an improved spermicidal com osition ina volving a novel combination of chemical sub- Agent Chemlcalwmposmm peicevent stances including a spermicidal agent of high 40 spermicidal potency but unreactive with other spermicide-1 agent MethoxypolyoxyethyleneElycol (750) mono-oleate. Compo e ts of the COIIIDOSltIOD, a thlckenlng Plagticizing agent Glycerin 6 agent and a plasticizing agent, with or without ggg g f g 5 5 $51533 5-9 a bufier to control the pH of the composition. Pr ii p fi l mig 55%;: 51 The spermicidal agent which I have discovered is 8? {mpmving fig uniquely adapted to my novel spermicidal com- 9 we a er 1000 position is a mono fatty acid ester of an alkoxy polyoxyethylene glycol, of the general generic Efwmple IV (C formula above which may be more simply expressed as CH2OR(CH2OCH2):LCH2OAC, in which Percent as above stated OR designates an alkoxy or Agent Chemicalcomposmon age alkyl ether grouping, as is an integer of 2 or more, and Ac represents the acyl radical of a Spermlmdalagcnt ggjiig gfiggggjgg igf M fatty acid containing at 1east six carbon atoms, Creamy consistency Stearic acid 22.0

The t on may be readfly understood from fg gfifi agent Gqycefln M a conslderatlon 0f the following examples illu's- Preservative; Butylparahydroxybenzoate. 0. 02 trative of specific embodiments of the said inven- Thickening agent ggg'g mbwymethyl tion: Saponifying agcnt j Sodium hydroxide 1.0

Odor improving agent"; Perfume 0.2 Emample No.1 vemciauflnn Water (q. s.) 100.0

Agent Percentage Example V (Powder) Methoxy polyoxyethylene gl col (550) monolanratc.-.. 3.0 $g g 55 2% Agent Chemical composition 22 100:8 Spermicidal-agcnt Etlpoxypolyoxyetliylene gly- 5.0 col (370) moncstearate.

Absorbent Milk Sugar (Lactose) 40.0

In this composition, the methoxy polyoxyethyl- Alkahmw sogggfielfuwgc tg giiggr t do. 0 ene glycol monolaurate is the spermicide which is w 35$ citric, 1mm)- 8 made from a polyoxye-thylene glycol having a Thickening agent Hydroxyetl iy l cellulose (bar- 210 molecular weight of approximately 550 or has this approximate molecular weight in the final spermicide compound. The propylene glycol This powder is used for insufliation, and the Serves as a plasticizing agentin thecompcsition sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and boric acid assist in spreading or dispersion in addition to combined buffer action in the composition.

Example VI (Suppository) Agent Chemical composition ggg spermicidal agent Methoxypolycxyethylenc gly- 15.0

col (370) monolaurate. Thickening agent soldium carboxymethyl cellu- 2.8

ose. Plasticizing agent Propylene glycol monostcarate.. 82. 2

Example VII (Suppository) Agent Chemical composition gg spermicidal agent Methoxy polyoxyethylene gly- 10.0

col (750) monolaurate. Thickening agent I-Iydroxyethyl cellulose. 3. 0 Plasticizing agent Polyethylene glycol dilaurate 10.0 Do Polyethylene glycol (4,000) 50.0 Do Polyethylene glycol (400)-"... 27. 0

Example VIII (Tampons) Agent Chemical composition 22? spermicidal agent Ethoxy polyoxyethylene gly- 20.0

col (550) caproate. Thickening agent Soldium carboxymethyl cellu- 1.0

ose. Preservative. Propyl parahydroxybenzoata. 0.1 Vehicle Water (q. s.) 100.0

This solution is then allowed to saturate tampons of cotton or other textile absorbent fabric and is then dried.

The above examples are given to serve as a guide in carrying out the invention and are not to be construed as limitations or a limitation of the invention. It will be understood that various changes or modifications may be made as will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims hereto annexed. For example, in the spermicidal agent, while the alkoxy group is preferably a methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or butoxy radical, a higher alkoxy radical may be substituted in the compound, although those below C1oH210- are preferred. Similarly, while the acyl radical of the fatty acids set forth are preferred, in forming the mono esters of the spermicidal agent, esters of the fatty acids of the group consisting of caproic, heptylic, caprylic, nonylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, margaric, stearic and oleic acids may be used.

Having thus described my invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. An improved spermicidal composition efiective within a relatively short period of time without irritating delicate body membranes contacting therewith which comprises a spermicidal agent consisting of an alkoxy polyoxyethylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having at least six carbon atoms and having the generic formula CH2OR(CH2OCH2)1CH2OA0, in which OR is an alkyl ether grouping, R, having a chain length not exceeding four atoms, a is an integer of at least 2, and Ac is an acyl radical of a fatty acid having at least six carbon atoms, a water dispersible thickening agent having adhesive action in the composition, and a plasticizing agent, said composition being adapted for use in an aqueous vehicle.

2. An improved spermicidal composition effective within a relatively short period of time without irritating delicate body membranes contactingtherewith which comprises a bland adhesive vehicle and a spermicidal agent consistin of an alkoxy polyoxyethylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having at least six carbon atoms and having no uncombined reactive group connected therewith, the alkoxy radical being selected from the group consisting of methoxy, ethoxy, propoxyand butoxy radicals, a water dispersible thickening agent having adhesive action in the composition, a plasticizing agent and a buffer serving to regulate the pH of the composition, said composition being readily miscible with vaginal and sperm secretions.

3. An improved spermicidal composition effective within a relatively short period of time without irritating delicate body membranes contacting therewith which comprises a bland adhesive vehicle and a spermicidal agent consisting of an alkoxy polyoxyethylene glycol ester of a fatty acid, the alkoxy radical being selected from the group consisting of methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and butoxy radicals and the combined fatty acid being selected from the group consisting of caproic, heptylic, caprylic, nonylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, margaric, stearic and oleic acids, said spermicidal agent thus having no uncombined reactive group connected therewith and greatly increasing the stability of the spermicidal composition, a water dispersible thickening agent and a plasticizing agent, said composition being readily miscible with vaginal and sperm secretions.

4. An improved spermicidal composition effective within a relatively short period of time without irritating delicate body membranes contacting therewith which comprises a spermicidal agent consisting of an alkoxy polyoxyethylene glycol ester of a fatty acid, the alkoxy radical being selected from the group consisting of methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy radicals and the combined fatty acid being selected from the group consisting of caproic, heptylic, caprylic, nonylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, margaric, stearic and oleic acids, said spermicidal agent having no uncombined reactive group connected therewith, thereby greatly increasing the stability of the spermicidal composition, said polyoxyethylene glycol portion of the spermicidal agent having a molecular weight of from about 200 to 750, a water dispersible thickening agent having adhesive action in the composition and a plasticizing agent, said composition being readily miscible with vaginal and sperm secretions.

5. An improved spermicidal composition in accordance with claim 4 in which the spermicidal agent is methoxy polyoxyethylene glycol (550) monolaurate and the thickening agent is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

6. An improved spermicidal composition in accordance with claim 2, in which the spermicidal agent is methoxy polyoxyethylene glycol (750) mono-oleate, the thickening agent is tragacanth, the plasticizing agent is glycerin and the buffer is boric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

7. An improved spermicidal cream composition in accordance with claim 3 in which the spermicidal agent is butoxy polyoxyethylene glycol (300) monostearate, the thickening agent is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, the plasticizing agent is glycerin, and a creamy consistency former of stearic acid is added to provide a creamy consistency to the composition.

8. An improved spermicidal powder composition efiective within a relatively short period of time without irritating delicate body membranes contacting therewith which comprises a spermicidal agent consisting of an alkoxy polyoxyethylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having at least six carbon atoms, the alkoxy radical being selected from the group consisting of methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy radicals, said spermicidal agent having no uncombined reactive group connected therewith, a water dispersible thickening agent having barrier action, an absorbent of milk sugar and a buffer to control the pH when admixed with vaginal secretions.

9. An improved spermicidal powder composition in accordance with claim 8, in which the spermicidal agent is ethoxy polyoxyethylene glycol monostearate, and in which the buffer is sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and boric acid, with a predominant component of sodium bicarbonate, serving to provide spreading action.

10. An improved spermicidal suppository composition which comprises a spermicidal agent consisting of methoxy polyoxyethylene glycol monolaurate, a water dispersible thickening agent and a plasticizing agent of propylene glycol monostearate in predominance in the composition.

11. An improved spermicidal, suppository com- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Elias d. Apr.

OTHER REFERENCES New and Nonoflicial Remedies, 1951, pages xxxi to xxxii, J. P. Lippincott.

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1. AN IMPROVED SPERMICIDAL COMPOSITION EFFECTIVE WITHIN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WITHOUT IRRITATING DELICATE BODY MEMBRANES CONTACTING THEREWITH WHICH COMPRISES A SPERMICIDAL AGENT CONSISTING OF AN ALKOXY POLYOXYETHYLENE GLYCOL ESTER OF A FATTY ACID HAVING AT LEAST SIX CARBON ATOMS AND HAVING THE GENERIC FORMULA CH2OR(CH2OCH2)XCH2OAC, IN WHICH "OR" IS AN ALKYL ETHER GROUPING, R HAVING A CHAIN LENGTH NOT EXCEEDING FOUR ATOMS, "X" IS AN INTEGER OF AT LEAST 2, AND "''A" IS AN ACYL RADICAL OF A FATTY ACID HAVING AT LEAST SIX CARBON ATOMS, A WATER DISPERSIBLE THICKENING AGENT HAVING ADHESIVE ACTION IN THE COMPOSITION, AND A PLASTICIZING AGENT, SAID COMPOSITION BEING ADAPTED FOR USE IN AN AQUEOUS VEHICLE. 